In an audience with officials of the Vatican Secret Archives on March 4, 2019, Pope Francis announced that access to records of Pope Pius XII's papacy would open to scholars beginning March 2, 2020. The announcement was welcomed by many scholars, particularly those involved in Jewish-Catholic relations. As pope during the Second World War, there is a profound interest in those material related to the war years and the fate of the Jewish community. In his remarks, Pope Francis spoke of the impact of sincere historical research: "serious and objective historical research will be able to evaluate, in the proper light and with appropriate criticism, the praiseworthy moments of the Pontiff and, without any doubt, also moments of serious difficulties."

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Co-Chair of the BCEIA's dialogue with the National Council of Synagogues, welcomed Pope Francis' announcement and the opportunity for Catholics and Jews to grow in understanding by together discovering what this material holds.